Did you know that an estimated 81 million avocados will be consumed on Cinco de Mayo?  Major cities all across the US will be celebrating this annual holiday and Cincinnati, Ohio is no exception!

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the city’s 13th Annual Latino Festival Cincy-Cinco at Fountain Square where  I enjoyed listening to Latin music, learning some of the cultural dances and feasting on some spectacular Latino food!

While joining in on the festivities, I was surprised to learn that Cinco de Mayo is not widely honored as a national  holiday in Mexico. The date is more important for the residents in Puebla, Mexico who celebrated their defeat over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.   California began observing the event in the late 1860s and it has grown in popularity over the years in both Mexico and in the United States.

So why celebrate in Cincinnati?  According to information posted on the Cincy-Cinco website, Latinos make up 25% of the area’s increase in population over the past 10 years.  This event is a great venue to bring awareness to their culture, values and traditions. It also provides an opportunity for interaction among the growing Latino population and its community.   The proceeds that are collected from the event will provide financial support to important health and educational charities that assist the Latino community.

Cincy-Cinco
May 7, 2016     12 – 11PM
May 8, 2016     12 – 7PM

Official Address:
520 Vine Street (Fountain Square)
Cincinnati, OH

Fun Facts about Cincy-Cinco:

• In 2006, Cincy-Cinco set the record for the world’s largest Piñata and lays claim to the world’s largest taco!
• The first Cincy-Cinco festival took place at Coney Island and was re-located to Fountain Square in the heart of downtown Cincinnati!
• There were ten participating restaurants offering a wide range of items, including empanadas, nachos, burritos and more!

In addition to enjoying some amazing Latino food, there are so many reasons to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!  I hope you include the festivities at this year’s Cincy-Cinco in your plans and support the local Latino community!  You can visit the Cincy-Cinco website at www.cincy-cinco.com to learn more about the event and to confirm the date of the celebration each year!